Grade III Black Label Sprint for 5 year old horses

Race ID: 2734.1216

Black label Sprint Grade III

Six furlongs
Firm Turf
$125,000
All horses, 5 year olds

A high class field to contest the Black Label Sprint for 5 year olds. Let’s take a look at the field;

Fusaichi Vet (JPN) owned by Laramie      30/1

Fusaichi Concorde (JPN) x Zeditave (AUS) x Whiskey Road (AUS)

The veteran of the field (racing wise at least) with 45 starts in his career. Had a lacklustre season last year, unable to hit the board in any of his 14 starts. Will need to produce something special to challenge this stellar field but as the odds suggest he is the rank outsider of this event.

Digging the Grave owned by zewango2     4/1

Silver Ghost x Green Desert x Silver Buck

This lightly raced 5 year old managed an astounding 8 wins last year including two Grade II’s and a Grade I last start. Solid performer over 6-7F and will be hard to beat after the drop in class from last start. Likes to lead from the outset and will start favourite in a reasonably open field.

Price of Paradise owned by sparadise       9/1

Cryptoclearance x Valid Appeal x Northfields

This horse has a unique record in the sim world: running on both services and never clocking a speed figure below 90 (91 is his lowest). Despite this record however, he will need one of his better performances to take the prize money here. A safe bet as he never finishes far from leaders.

Unbridled Horizons owned by cjwalker      11/1

Urban Ocean x Unbridled x Affirmed

An impressive short distance sprinter who loves to sit just off the pace and pounce as the leaders start to tire to wards the finish; a stealthy stalker. With 3 graded placings from 5 attempts last year, certainly one to watch and a strong chance to break through for his first stakes win. Perhaps not as classy as the best of this field but a fair chance at good odds.

Otto O owned by 2die4                              9/2

Storm Cat x Seattle Slew x Seeking the Gold

Like zewango2’s entrant, this superbly bred 5 year old returns after a grade I victory last start. After his return to the turf, he has hit the board on this surface on every occasion and can be expected to do so again here. Unlike his major competition in this race, this guy will head to the back early and wait until the last moment before making his sprint for the line. A solid chance to start the New Year off with a win.

E Street Band owned by kyhomebred                   7/1

E Dubai x Beau Genius x Northern Dancer

A proven stakes winner and the kyhomebred stable’s number one horse, this E Dubai progeny will be looking to hit the board in a graded stakes for the first time. Has been unable to make the step up in previous attempts but may change that with the coming of the New Year. Not without a chance but will need to improve to beat more favoured opposition.

Xtremely Today owned by mrfu                 8/1

Lemon Drop Kid x Storm Bird x Relaunch

With 7 wins from 19 starts including 5 stakes wins, one just has to ask why??? Why on earth would you throw a proven stakes winner into a $35,000 claimer?? Well, it was tempting fate and mrfu will be thanking his lucky stars that he picked up this guy. Would have to be a strong chance here even against some tough competition and if he can pull off a good performance mrfu might just see his claiming money back in one start. Excellent chance at these odds. Expect him to settle mid pack and be right there at the finish.

Ice Rage T owned by shanx                       29/1

Alami x Mr. Prospector x Icecapade

Was injured in his last start and will have a real fitness test here against some top class horses. Has only ever run one triple figure speed and will struggle here unless he can repeat that performance. His form is hard to read but probably a place chance at best.

No Creek owned by michap                       17/1

Noverre (IRE) x Storm Creek x Hoist the Flag

Another horse whose recent form has been disappointing with only two triple figures last year. Will need to run back to his 3 year old form and probably better to really threaten this high class field. Place chance at best.

PJ Nordic Dawn (FR) owned by playshack           7/1

Val Royal (FR) x Afleet x El Gran Senor

Coming off a 5 week break, this French born thoroughbred is being shipped all the way from Australia for this race, so apparently his owner thinks he’s a good chance. His previous form after a break has been shaky at best so his form is hard to read although 4 of his past 5 starts resulted in 100+ speed figures. Will be aiming at his first graded win and is certainly one of the better chances here. Keep safe.

Tequila with Lime owned by zwylde           7/1

Lemon Drop Kid x Fappiano x Vice Regent

An extraordinarily well bred horse whose form faded towards the end of last year after a stellar first 6 months. Having never won a stakes race, he may find this class a bit tough but is never far away from the money. Can’t be overlooked as a chance.

Saratoga Sojourn owned by sojourneys     10/1

Red Ransom x Saratoga Six x Manila

Rounding out the field is this Red Ransom progeny who has promised much but on occasion failed to deliver. With just one stakes win and having spent most of his career over 8-10F this will certainly test his ability to sprint. Not without a chance but probably needs more distance than this. Place chance.

So that’s the field with two Grade I-winning horses set to dominate this race.

As for my tips, it’s hard to look past the favourite, Digging the Grave with his recent form. So I’ll take: 2. Digging the grave from 5. Otto O and 7. Xtremely Today.

Good luck to all the hopeful trainers

scootboy